On the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend I ran in the Stoneleigh Stampede 5k for the second year in a row. I knew going into this race that it wouldn’t be a PR day, as there were many things working against me. In fact, I almost didn’t run it at all (I signed up on race day).
This was one of my first runs in the heat. I was also suffering with allergies. However, I knew I would run and I honestly just wasn’t in the mood to go out and do my own run in my neighborhood. I figured a race would be more exciting and would force me to push through the heat.
I arrived at 7am when registration opened, but realized they didn’t have a credit card machine so I had to go to the ATM around the block to take out cash. I should have known this from last year but it just slipped my mind! I was still able to fit in a 3 mile warm up before the race started.
I felt pretty good during the warm up, especially because the neighborhood is really shaded. Well, it turns out it was shaded at 7:30 running on the sidewalks, but during the race when I was in the street the sun was beating down on me!
I lined up at 7:55 and had to squeeze my way up front. This race has alot of kids and they like to start in the front- which is fine except that it’s not chip timed. I started out slower than I would have liked due to some weaving. There are also alot of turns on this course as well as rolling hills.
There was nothing too remarkable about the actual race. My splits were 7:32, 7:24, and 7:13, and my watch actually measured the course a little short (I think I started my watch late so that may have been why). I had a strong kick at the end (which was a nice downhill) and passed a few other female runners during the last 1/4 mile. Official gun time was 22:35 for a 7:17 pace overall.
The heat was definitely the biggest factor for me in this race. It felt like 80 degrees at the start, and I think last year it was in the 50s. I ran about 8 seconds slower this year than last year, even though last year I was just getting back to running after an injury.
After the race I ran a 1 mile cool down and then got some food and water. I stuck around for the awards, but they only gave first place overall and age groups. Turns out I was second in my age group (which I found out later when I checked the results). The runner who got first in my age group ran 21 minutes, so I wasn’t even close!
Overall it was a good race and I was glad I got out there to push myself, even though I have had many better races. I have to get used to running in the heat at some point, right?!
Have you ever signed up for a race just because you didn’t feel like running your usual route?
What factors make racing the toughest for you?
I’m linking up with Patty, Erika, and Marcia for Tuesdays on the Run!
I haven’t run a 5k in forever! I think you did awesome despite the heat. 5k’s are hard (at least in my mind) because they are short yet fast! I should run one again just to see how I do – but omg I can’t do it in the heat! they have sooo many 5k options every weekend here though in the summer. I guess other people like to run in the heat here lol
I usually do a few 5ks in the summer because they are really the only distance I can manage in the heat, but that definitely makes it tough to PR!
I definitely suck in the heat. And you are being way too hard on yourself — you weren’t far off your time & it was way hotter than last year — we slow down in the heat!
Heck, give me even half a mile at your pace & I’d be ecstatic!
Thanks! The heat definitely slowed me down and made it feel harder than last year!
Awesome job–your pace is my dream pace 🙂 I wish I could just sign up for a race on the whim–there aren’t many in my area that offer race day signup! Heat is always a factor for me-I run at least 30 seconds slower per mile!
Thanks! There are usually races around here, but its definitely tough to race in the summer heat!
Great job! My grandparents live right down the road from Stoneleigh. I am looking forward to running local 5ks this summer myself.
Thats so funny that your Grandparents live right there! Its such a nice neighborhood!
I admire your ability to race so well in the heat! I’ve never raced in anything warmer than 65 degrees and that was hot enough for me. I can see a 5K being more manageable in the heat since it’s short and also awful in the heat because of the pace. Great job on the race!
I usually stick with 5ks in the summer because mentally I feel like I can get through them in the heat. But my PR was set in December when it was about 40 degrees, so I have a feeling I will need to run a 5k in cooler weather if I want to PR again!
5k’s are a great way to mix things up if you don’t want to run your usual route. I’m done racing for the summer, but the fall has some great 5k’s too.
Exactly! It was a nice change of scenery.
Heat will do it to ya. I’m always relieved when I see that I’m behind the next female by a long time. It’s the worst when it’s only by a few seconds because then I torment myself. You guys have some extreme temperatures going on over there! Hope it settles down a bit for you.
Yea, there was one girl in front of me who I couldn’t catch but I think she was like 15! Those young kids are FAST!
When I was doing my 9+1, I ended up in a couple of May and June 10ks that were 80 degrees at an 8am start in Central Park! I got severely dehydrated at one even though I wasn’t running to “race”. I’m crossing my fingers that this year’s NYCM is the golden temperature for a race.
Its so hard to stay hydrated during races when its that hot! I also hope NYCM has good weather for you!
Heat and humidity are super hard for me in general. I haven’t done a 5K in ages–I almost always like the longer distances, since I’m stubborn! Congrats on placing in the race, that’s awesome!
Thanks! I prefer longer distances too but 5ks are nice because I just decide to run them at the last minute!
Congrats Lisa! You did great, especially in the heat, with allergies, no chip time, etc. Heat and humidity always drain me mentally and physically.
Thank you! There was alot workout against me so I can’t really complain about how it went:)
Girl you did GREAT considering the conditions! Heat is proven to pull people down. I have a bit of a higher heat tolerance than most, but still, when I hit my max, I’m down.
I think I have a higher heat tolerance as well. I am always feeling colder than everyone else around me!
I hate running in the heat. I’m glad I only have a few races this summer.
I totally run half marathon races as training runs. I suck at getting in double mileage by myself, but I don’t like running my long runs with company. So yeah, races are a training tool for me.
Thats a really good plan for marathon training. Races as training runs are a perfect way to change things up!
Way to go on getting through it with an awesome time despite the seriously gross weather!
Heat is definitely a killer for me – but rain will do it too! I’m so scared of falling that as soon as it rains I slow rightttttttttt down as I’m trying to be extra cautious.
Oh yea I hate racing in the rain too! A little bit is ok, but when the roads are really wet I definitely slow down because I get scared of falling!
Still sounds like you did a good job considering you signed up the day of…it’s hard to have my best race in the heat!
Thanks! The heat definitely made it feel harder!
For not really feeling it ypu did a great job! Congratulations on placing 2nd in your age group. I know hest stinks, but isn’t it better than running the cold?
Thank you! It was definitely better than running in the cold!